The most common systems are:
Off-Grid System:
This means no connection to Eskom. This is the most expensive system because you need a large battery bank to run your appliances in the evenings and/or on cloudy days. With an off-grid system, load shedding is a thing of the past because you are not connected to the grid (Eskom). You might need a backup generator (or increase the battery bank size) if there are a few days of cloudy weather. Getting off the grid completely is expensive. A full off-grid system can cost from R200 000 to R400 000 for the average homeowner.
Grid-Tied (On-Grid) System:
This means you are still connected to Eskom. For a grid-tied system, you don’t need batteries. The power from the solar panels is used immediately by appliances. This reduces your energy bill but does not necessarily eliminate all energy costs. Feeding back into the grid is not allowed in most of South Africa. This means you will only save money during the day. This option works best for where consumption occurs during the day (i.e., businesses & farms). Average Cost R30 000 – R100 000+
Hybrid System (Most Popular)
This system is a combination of a grid-tied and off-grid. You are still connected to the grid, but the grid is used as backup for the solar system. The system has a smaller battery bank to get you through load shedding & you will save money during the day. This is the most popular system for South Africans and the main goal is getting through load shedding. If you have a larger budget the battery bank size can be increased and set to use a percentage of the batteries every evening. This ensures even less reliability on the grid. Average Price is R80 000 to R250 000+.
Backup System
This system does not need solar panels. The batteries are charged by the grid when grid power is available (from a wall outlet/DB Board), battery power is then used when the grid fails (load shedding. This is your most cost-effective backup solution, but you won’t save money. Works best for households and businesses that want to get through load shedding. Important to note that you can start with this option and add a solar charger and solar panels later to have a hybrid system.
